Police officers in north Edinburgh were targeted by youths who launched fireworks at them as they attended calls on Saturday night.

One police car also had the windscreen smashed after thugs threw bricks at it.

Officers had to use vans with shields over the windows to carry out further patrols after the incident on Pennywell Gardens on Saturday night.

One local told how youths had been letting of fireworks on the run up to Bonfire night.

The local said “It’s been awful round here the past few weeks.

“This group of teenagers have been throwing fireworks at houses and people walking about the street.

“It really is frightening when it happens but they seem to think it’s a joke and just laugh about it.”

Chief Inspector Jimmy Jones, Area Commander for North West Edinburgh, said: “We experienced a high volume of calls, particularly surrounding fireworks related anti-social behaviour in the North Edinburgh area.

“This proved to be very challenging owing to the reckless and inconsiderate conduct of certain groups of people who sought to disrupt and hinder the dedicated and determined efforts of combined emergency services throughout the evening.

“One such incident resulted in damage to a police vehicle although thankfully no one was injured.

“This callous behaviour, endangering the lives and safety of those who seek to protect our communities is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”

“Inquiries are under way to establish the identities of those responsible and we also seek the assistance of the local community to prevent future disorder by helping to identify those responsible so they can be brought to justice.

“I would urge anyone who witnessed disorder of anti-social behaviour in North Edinburgh on Saturday, November 5, to contact us, either through 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where their information will be noted in confidence and used to help progress enquiries and keep the community and it’s public servants safe.”